Early childhood activist Manuela P Mulondo has called for honest reflections on early childhood centres. The call was made following an incident in which a middle-aged man killed four children at the Ggaba Early Childhood Centre in Kampala.
Mulondo, who is the president of Early Years Foundation Uganda (EYFU), described the incident as “devastating” and a reminder of the responsibility that early childhood care demands.
“We are deeply grieved by the tragic loss of four young children at Ggaba Early Childhood Centre. No family should ever have to endure the pain of losing a child. This is a devastating moment for the families, for the children who were present, and for everyone committed to the protection of young children across Uganda,” said Mulondo.
“As a country, we are reminded that early childhood care carries a profound responsibility, often within environments that are still developing in terms of systems, support, and regulation. Many centres continue to serve children with dedication and commitment, even as they navigate varying levels of resources and structural support.”
Mulondo, who is also the CEO and Founder of The Cradle, a 24-hour Infant and Toddler Care Centre, called for honest conversations involving all stakeholders on the whole early childhood care ecosystem.
“This moment cannot be reduced to quick conclusions or isolated blame,” she further noted.
“It calls for honest reflection across the entire ecosystem; families, early childhood practitioners, sector leaders, and government institutions on how child safety is understood, supported, and sustained.”
She also called for functional systems and shared responsibility in promoting safe early childhood learning.
“The safety of children cannot depend on goodwill alone. It requires systems that are intentionally designed, consistently applied, and practically supported at every level,” she said.
“It also requires shared responsibility, where expectations are matched with the tools, training, oversight, and coordination needed to uphold them.”
Mulondo also highlighted the critical areas that should be given renewed attention in the early childhood sector.
Early childhood policies, she noted, need to move beyond documentation into consistent and meaningful implementation across all settings.
She also called for adequate support and equipping of “those entrusted with the care of children” to enable them meet the expectations placed on them.
Mulondo also wants more emphasis placed on prevention “through stronger, more reliable safeguarding systems that protect children in everyday practice.”
Meanwhile, Ggaba daycare centre children killer was reportedly mentally sick. There have been calls for him to face the death penalty. (See Details Here and There).
